Encapsulated Nuclear Heat Source for Proliferation-Resistant Low-Waste Nuclear Energy.

Brown, N. ; Carelli, M. ; Conway, L. ; Dzodzo, M. ; Greenspan, E.

Technical Information Center Oak Ridge Tennessee

关键词: Nuclear reactors;    Design criteria;    Developing countries;    Technology innovation;    Cores;   

RP-ID  :  DE200515013282

学科分类：工程和技术（综合）

美国|英语

来源: National Technical Reports Library

【 摘 要 】

Encapsulated Nuclear Heat Source (ENHS) is a small innovative reactor suitable for use in developing countries. The reference design is a SOMWe lead-bismuth eutectic (Pb-Bi) cooled fast reactor. It is designed so that the fuel is installed and sealed into the reactor module at the factory. The nuciear controls, a major portion of the instrumentation and the Pb-Bi covering the core are aiso instalIed at the factory. At the site of operations the reactor module is inserted into a pool of Pb-Bi that contains the steam generators. Major components, such as the pool vesseI and steam generators, are permanent and remain in place while the reactor module is replaced every I5 years. At the end of life the sealed reactor module is removed and returned to an internationally controlled recycling center. Thus, the ENHS provides a unique capability for ensuring the security of the nuclear fuel throughout its life. The design ako can minimize the user country investment in nuclear technology and staff. Following operation and return of the module to the recycling facility, the useable components, including the fuel, are refurbished and available for reuse. A fuel cycle compatible with this approach has been identified that reduces the amount of nuclear waste.